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The quest for Lord Stanley's Cup is down to eight teams, with Round 2 games underway.
The battle is on for what's often said to be the hardest trophy to win in professional sports, but only one can be crowned NHL champion in June.
Our hockey experts will deliver their NHL playoffs predictions and NHL picks for every game, every day from now until the Stanley Cup is presented.
NHL playoff predictions today for Friday, May 8
Game
Best pick
Odds
MON vs.
BUF
MON ML
+114
VEG vs.
ANA
ANA ML
-110
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
Friday, May 8
Canadiens vs Sabres Game 2 prediction
7 p.m. ET, TNT
Expert pick: Canadiens moneyline (+114 at Kalshi)
The Habs nabbed three games on the road from Tampa Bay last round and outshot Buffalo in Game 1 despite the unfavorable result. Jakub Dobes had his quietest night of the postseason, and I fully expect him to rebound accordingly for Game 2.
Check out Luc LeBlanc's full Canadiens vs. Sabres predictions!
Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 3 prediction
9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Expert pick: Ducks moneyline (-110 at Kalshi)
The Ducks have been the better 5-on-5 team this series with a 57.1 Corsi For percentage and 56.2 expected goals percentage, and Golden Knights starter Carter Hart isn’t maintaining his .951 SV% through two games after posting a .864 mark on the road in Round 1.
Check out Neil Parker's full Golden Knights vs. Ducks predictions!
Popular NHL prediction markets
The NHL is a prediction buffet — the key is picking the right market for your edge.
Futures: Not only can you trade on the team you think will win it all in the Stanley Cup odds, but you can also wager on Conn Smythe odds. The latter trophy is awarded to the player judged to be the best performer in the postseason, not just in the Stanley Cup Final
Game lines: The spread, moneyline, and total are the bread-and-butter once the playoffs begin. As the postseason rolls on and teams become more risk-averse, lines will get tighter and totals will drop, so traders can take advantage of swings throughout series one way or the other.
Props: NHL player props will still be going strong all the way until a potential Game 7 of the Cup Final. The most popular markets include anytime goalscorer, player points, assists, shots on goal, and goalie saves.
Same-game parlays: SGPs can be fun, but value varies. Compare the parlay payout to legs individually, and prioritize lines you’d play on their own.
Not intended for use in MA.
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